Tel: 01327 353753
Mobile: 07754 434960
Email:
mail@focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Focus Brackley magazine is
distributed FREE to all NN13
households in the following areas:
Biddlesden • Brackley
Cottisford • Croughton
Crowfield • Evenley
Farthinghoe • Halse • Helmdon
Hinton-in-the-Hedges • Mixbury
Radstone • Steane • Syresham
Turweston • Westbury
Whitfield
Copy Deadline for
July/August is
Friday 5th June 2010
We gratefully acknowledge the support of
businesses whose adverts appear in the
Brackey Focus, whilst every care is taken to
assure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept
responsibility for loss, damage or omission
caused by error in the printing of an advert.
All artwork is accepted on strict condition
that permission has been given for use in
the publication. Adverts are accepted on the
understanding that the descriptions of goods
and services are fair and accurate.
Any reproduction of any material is forbidden
without the written consent of the publishers.
The publishers cannot accept responsibility
for views expressed by contributors, or for the
accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.

Focus Brackley – May - June 2010

W

elcome to
newest member
of the Focus
Magazine Group
publications, the
first issue of Focus Brackley
magazine. A new bi-monthly
magazine bringing you
products and services on your
doorstep, We offer our readers
an easy reading magazine
which contains local news,
articles, features and events
which we know you will enjoy.
For ease of use we have
simplified the magazine with
an easy reference content
section on page 4 to take you
to the relevant categories
efficiently and quickly. We
really don’t need to go outside
of the local community when
our local businesses and
trades can offer us much
more than we realise.
“Focus Brackley” magazine
will be delivered to homes
within the NN13 area, free of
charge and covers all Brackley
and surrounding villages.
(The list of these villages can
be found opposite)

We welcome you to provide
us with any interesting facts
from any clubs, groups,
meeting, fetes forthcoming
events etc that you may wish
to see included in future
editions.
You may also like to take part
in our competition and win
a photograph sitting for the
whole family or an individual
sitting and a FREE print (see
page 7).
We look forward to keeping
you updated with what’s in
your area including all the
services we all need from time
to time to make our lives just a
bit easier, more so we are sure
that this publication will bring
you the same success as our
others by becoming a handy
guide with useful telephone
numbers which you won’t
want to be without.
For further information on
advertising or how to include
your events please contact
a member of the Focus
Magazine Group on 01327
353753 or 07754 434960.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss our Competi
tion
Win an individual or a whole
family photograph sitting and
a FREE print - See page 7

Handy
Numbers
Brackley Cottage Hospital

01280 702388

Brackley Health Centre

01280 703460

Brackley Leisure Centre

01280 701787

Brackley Swimming Pool

01280 704906

Brackley Town Council

01280 702441

Horton A & E

01295 275500

Horton Treatment Centre

01295 755000

Job Centre

0845 6060234

John Radcliffe Hospital

01865 741166

Brackley Library

01280 703455

NHS Direct

0845 46 47

Northants Fire Service

01604 797000

Police

03000 111 222

Post Office

01280 841676

Boots the Chemist

01280 702213

Lowick Pharmacy
01280 700935
Lark Rise Pharmacy
01280 700222
Washington
House Surgery
01280 702436
You could be advertising your
business in this magazine from just
ÂŁ20 per month and be seen by all
homes in NN13 within Brackley and
surrounding villages.
Tel: 01327 353753
Mobile: 07754 434960
Email:
mail@focusmagazinegroup.co.uk

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the
digits 1 through to 9, with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! You solve the
puzzle with reasoning and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up.

This issue’s prize
has been kindly
donated by
BPS of Brackley
The prize for this
issue is an individual
or whole family
portrait sitting and a
free print at

8
3

WIN!

an indiv
id
a whole ual or
photog family
rap
and a F h sitting
REE prin
t

Tel: 01280 840460

2

4

6

6

1
9

8

7

5
8

9
9

3

4

3

6

2

8

4
9

4

2
6

3

7

Cut out and send completed entries by the 5th June 2010 along with your name, address and phone number to:
15 Buckingham Way, Towcester, Northants, NN12 6JY

ix years ago saw the first “Soap Box Derby”
in Brackley. It originally started as a
prelude to the Carnival and Music Festival,
but now is an annual event and very well
attended.

Ever popular this event caters for both adults and
children alike, with two categories, (Under 15 and
Adult) anyone can enter and join in the fun.
‘Steaming along’ at last year’s race

All you need is a Kart
which your have made
yourself. Let your
imagination run wild as
your Kart can be as can
be as basic or hi spec as
you wish. After a safety
inspection approximately
30 karts which start
from a ramp, will run in
heats to find the winner.
Spaces are limited to just 30 karts so remember to
register early. Entry forms and rules are available
at the Town Hall. www.brackleynorthants-tc.gov.uk
to enter you must return completed entry form and
entry fee to Brackley Town Hall by:
Sunday 23rd May 2010 at the latest.
It’s a magical fun packed afternoon and is always
supported well by the community.

ew Manager Lee Hughes of The Green Man
Inn has over 14 years industry experience
in a range of eateries covering the country,
despite being under huge pressure with
the old look and feel of the business, in
recent weeks he has managed to established a
higher level of service, and insists he is not after
just â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hotel tradeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; but wants to be able to offer a real
home from home for the locals.

Lee Hughes, manager of The Green Man Inn

10

Over the years there have been many changes to the
place, but a real sense of stability is now emerging
at the pub and it has become apparent that a fresh
new image and welcoming team is just what the
area needs.
As the recruiting process
is underway the new team
are currently undergoing
industry leading training
but Lee is always looking
for hard working passionate
people to join his team.
Days of old have seen a
love/hate mentality towards
the pub/restaurant but Lee
Chef, Igors Viksna
insists the Green Man Inn
will be something the area can be proud of.
On Tuesday May 4th, The Green Man Inn will close
for approximately 10 days for a much needed
refurbishment, but afterwards we will all be able to
enjoy a good hearty meal prepared by Gastro award
winning chef Igors Viksna.
This summer is looking good.
Call for more details on 01280 850209.

t is no secret that the UK is facing a pension’s
crisis, estimates suggest that over 10 million
individuals in the UK have inadequate or no
pension provision at all as addressed in the
2008 Pension Act.

In October 2012 the UK Government will introduce
‘National Employer Savings Trusts’ (NEST) and for
the first time employers will be forced to offer, and
employees forced to enrol into, a company pension
scheme – It will affect every single employer in
Britain however small the workforce.
Employers who already offer a pension scheme need
to ensure that this meets the minimum criteria for
contribution levels and auto enrol all employees
into the scheme. Employees shortly will need to
contribute 4% pa of salary unless they elect to opt
out of the scheme, HMRC will contribute a further
1% pa by way of Tax Relief, employers will then be
obliged to pay 3% pa. This 8% pa total contribution

Focus Brackley – May - June 2010

The new pension laws will affect
every single employer in Britain
will be paid into a NEST unless the employer already
has (or introduces) an alternative pension scheme.
If employees wish to opt out of this scheme,
employers will still have an obligation to
automatically enrol workers and complete
paperwork with the administrator. The system has
been designed to deliberately make it difficult for
employers to discourage employees from joining.
So employers, look now for a suitable scheme.

11

Services

Brackley
Community Carnival

T

his is the largest one-day event held
in the town and this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the theme
is Musicals.
The day begins when the noisy and

colourful procession made up of walking
and motorized floats accompanied by marching
bands makes its way from the Sawmills at the north
of the town via the Northampton Road into the Town
Centre. Roads are closed specially for the event as
spectators line the route and a large crowd gathers
in the Town Centre to cheer the
floats in.
Situated in the heart of the
town just off Market Place the
grounds of Magdalen College
School St Johns Site provides
a spectacular location for an
afternoon of family fun.

Saturday 12th
June 2010
As usual there will be a stage
for local performers, because
as ever the Carnival boasts a
line-up of leading arena acts
with something for all tastes
and ages.
Combined with a host of charity
and commercial stalls, food
outlets, funfair rides, a bar, teas by the WI, a six
a-side football competition,
exemption dog show, bouncy
castles and many other
attractions Brackley Community
Carnival makes a great family
day out.
For further information contact
them via their website at
www.brackley-carnival.co.uk

Focus Brackley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May - June 2010

13

Pets

Karaoke Man
is Electric

M

ick Moore is a man of many talents,
Electrician by day and an entertainer,
performer and DJ by night. Many of
Mickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performances are local to the
Brackley and surrounding areas and
include Karaoke, Singing at Weddings, Birthdays
for all ages, Family gatherings, Pubs, Clubs, special
events and themed nights.
He has thousands of Karaoke songs and tunes that
can be performed either as a solo singer or
with group participation complete with disco
If you are looking to hire a
Mobile DJ, Disco, Karaoke
DJ or singer then test this
man! Prices start from as
little as ÂŁ100 per evening.
For more information and
bookings call Mick Moore
Tel: 01280 817605

Diary of Events
Saturday May 1st
Piazza 5.30am!
May Day Dawn
Friday May 7th
& Saturday 8th
Winchester House School Open Day
Nursery ‘Pre-prep’ 2.00-3.30pm
Contact 01280 702483 for details or visit the website
www.winchester-house.org

Friday May 7th
Gwyn Ashton
Rolands, Market Place, Brackley
“A welcome tonic to the glut of perfectly produced vanity
exercises that passes for modern blues these days. It’s a
raucous sound that has plenty of credibility in a modern
blues market full of mediocrity.” - Guitarist - Oct 2009
Tickets: £15.00
For reservations, pop into Rolands or call 01280 705757

Monday May 10th
WI Hall Manor Road 7.30pm
Brackley WI Resolutions and Social time. Discuss Debate
and Vote on issues to be taken to AGM in Cardiff . Visitors
very welcome £3 including refreshments

Tuesday May 11th
Winchester House School Open Day
Nursery ‘Come and Play’ 2.00-3.30pm
Contact 01280 702483 for details or visit the website
www.winchester-house.org

Friday May 14th
Fun Casino Night
Chenderit School,
Middleton Cheney

Saturday May 22nd
Nick Planas 50th Birthday Charity Concert
in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust
St.Peter’s Church, 7.30pm
Tickets available from January

Friday June 4th
John Verity and Max Milligan
Former Argent and Zombies
Rolands, Market Place, Brackley
Guitar player, John Verity teams up with Max Milligan for an
acoustic performance. Not to be missed! Tickets £15.00
For reservations, pop into Rolands or call 01280 705757

Speaker: Caryl Billingham – Being the Mayor of Brackley.
Visitors very welcome £3 including refreshments

Friday June 18th
Edwina Hayes
Rolands, Market Place, Brackley
Edwina has opened several shows for Van Morrison, 26
shows for Jools Holland, toured the UK for fours years in
a row with Nanci Griffith and performed twice for Michael
Parkinson at his Maidenhead pub the Royal Oak. She has
also toured the UK with, and supported shows, for Gretchen
Peters, Ricky Ross, Loudon Wainwright III,Tom Baxter, Boo
Hewerdine, KT Tunstall, Clive Gregson, Chris Difford, Ruby
Turner and Lulu. Tickets: £15.00
For reservations, pop into Rolands or call 01280 705757

Halse United are on the look-out for
talented young footbalers to join them

H

alse United play in the Milton Keynes &
Border Counties Youth Football League.
The League consists of Clubs whose
headquarters are within a 25 mile radius of
Central Milton Keynes and are affiliated to
the Berks & Bucks Football Association.
As well as Halse United, last season (2009/10) there
were 4000 registered players attached to over 70
Clubs, who between them had almost 250 teams
competing in 23 Divisions at 7 age groups from
Under 12 to Under 18.
Paul Norris of Brackley Paint & Body, sponsor,
manager / coach of the Halse United Football club is
on the lookout for talented young players to join next
years under 13â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team.
The facilities available to this club are outstanding.
The team enjoys the idyllic setting in the grounds
where they play and train and during the winter
months, they are fortunate enough to use the

Focus Brackley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May - June 2010

facilities at the Magdalene
School training on the all
weather pitch, to ensure one
of the best pitches in the
league stays in top condition
encouraging the players to
play their football on the
ground.
At the close of this season the team will have
managed to secure their position mid table in the
League, however the team are always striving to play
at the highest possible standard and are looking
to add to the squad and maintain the hard work
and determination they have shown this season in
challenging for the division next season.
If you would like more information about how to join
this club contact Paul on 01280 703666 or
07351 001329.

17

Homes & Gardens

Power in your Garden!

M

arch, April and May are ideal for pruning
evergreens, so if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something you
havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet thought of there is still
time, so if you have a Juniper, Cypress or
conifer that need shearing or pruning
this is a good time to accomplish this task not
forgetting the Forsythia after it finishes flowering.
Plant outdoors annual seeds such as asters,
cosmos, marigolds, zinnias and when all frost danger
has passed you can move your stored fuchsias and
geraniums outdoors. Trim them back, feed and repot if necessary but water well.
Divide perennials like
Daylilies, Delphiniums, iris,
chrysanthemums, Daisies, and
Phlox. The additional plants
you create can be traded,
given to friends, or moved to a
new area of the garden. Plant
new rosebushes before growth
starts and buds swell.

Plant perennial vegetables
like asparagus, rhubarb,
etc. and plant peas, carrots,
beets, spinach, cauliflower,
cabbage, along with root
crops like potatoes,
radishes, parsnips and
onions. In late April plant
beans and corn. Wait until
May to plant tomatoes;
squash, cucumbers and
peppers.
Lawn spring fertilizer
should perk up the
lawn and improve its
over-all color and
appearance. Use a
spring lawn fertilizer
that has the mosskiller included, so you
can do both jobs in one
easy application.

Focus Brackley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May - June 2010

19

Homes & Gardens

Paintpods: to use...

H

ave you ever tried using one? Well, I can
honestly say I haven’t so treat this as
advice and not from on the job experience!
Why you ask? Well, I looked at reviews for
this editorial and I wasn’t that happy, they
didn’t make me rush out and want one even if I was
in the market! Was it the price of the paint that was
putting me off, or the cost of the Paintpod?
You’re right! A Paintpod retails at between £49 - £60
depending on the outlet and promotions, it doesn’t
stop there, the extras easily add another £20.00.
Oh and I forgot, paint costs £29 for 5 Litres.
Not bad for multi-room decoration or you’re a
Tommy Walsh or a Laurence Llewellyn Bowen,
but for me and maybe you it’s likely to be lying
around for quite a while without use.
Pods are aimed at those who wish to decorate their
home quickly manufacturers say, with ease and
minimal mess. It’s supposedly cleaner to use for
those with limited decorating experience as there is

... or not to use!
a self-cleaning system
and an extra reach
handle for tall ceiling
stair wells etc. Some
limitations are poor
use for out-of-reach
details, edges between
high ceilings. Carry out
automatic and manual
cleaning strictly to
instructions as paint
can become diluted,
clogged or spattering
occurs. Paint ranges
are limited.
Don’t contemplate replacing the correct paint with
normal paint, it will clog and your guarantee will be
void. Your choice now, mines made, one final thought
there is no professional version available, Why?
Next time: What’s in a Paint?

t’s tragic but I’ve decided that if we were burgled
I would be most disappointed if they took my
pressure-washer. The machine is a god send
and unlike my 5 year-old daughter everything
it touches is instantly restored to a picture of
cleanliness and order.My wife won’t let me try it in
her bedroom. Like a fairy-godmother
from one of her many princess-based
storybooks, but in wellies, I move
around waving my magic wand and
a jet of high-pressure water turns a
dark, stained patio into a shining
ballroom floor, my mouldy garden
bench into a sparkling golden
throne and the car into a glistening
carriage ready to transport
my princess. The hard part is
stopping before it strikes midnight
and I turn into a pumpkin.
Call Linnell Bros on 01327 354422.

oes the colour of your car say
anything about yourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; psyche or
temperament?
Drivers of Red cars are dynamic, high
energy people with sex appeal, most often
chosen by outspoken, energetic individuals. Green,
tend to be trustworthy, traditional in outlook, and
well-balanced in temperament, whereas those who
drive bright yellow-green cars are inclined to be lively,
trendy, and whimsical. Yellow is often associated
with an upbeat, optimistic personality, and driven by
those with joyful, sunny youthful dispositions.
Light- to mid-Blue are quiet, faithful, calm
temperament and dark blue with credibility,
confidence, and dependability. Purple cars tend to
be individualistic, original, and creative.

26

Grey, pragmatic, sober, corporate types and have
above-average confidence. White, with a fastidious
nature and often preferred by status-seeking
extroverts. Cream often driven by reserved, selfcontained people and less likely to be involved in
accidents.
Black, cars with an empowered personality not
easily manipulated and usually driven by aggressive
outsiders with a high accident risk.
Silver, cars with elegant, cool, futuristic personalities.
more likely to have a higher-than-average level of
confidence, Support for the calm, confident persona
is provided by the fact silver cars have the lowest
likelihood of being involved in serious crashes.
Orange, cars are favoured by talkative, fickle, funloving, and trendy individuals, Brown cars indicates a
no-nonsense, down-to-earth
personality. Pink cars are
most commonly driven by
gentle, loving peopleâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś
Was it True or False?